Work

Extreme justifications fuel polarisation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: How does polarisation — as measured by mistreatment of political rivals — spread? In an online experiment, participants choose between splitting financial resources equally or discriminating against a supporter of the opposing political party. We vary the information subjects receive about others’ choices and justifications for discrimination. Exposure to extreme justifications for discrimination increases discrimination — particularly in a polarized environment, when many others are already discriminating — and it leads participants to adopt more extreme justifications themselves. Our findings suggest a self-reinforcing dynamic that may fuel polarisation: Exposure to extreme statements increases polarisation and the prevalence of extreme reasoning.

Source: The Economic Journal

DOI: 10.1093/ej/ueag062

Authors: Christiane Buschinger, Markus Eyting, Florian Hett, Judd Kessler

Institutions: Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Leibniz Institute for Financial Research SAFE, University of Pennsylvania

Language: English

Topic: Social and Intergroup Psychology

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,463